Giannoulias and Bright Start's Losses

Illinois State Treasurer and Dem Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias is facing new questions about his handling of the Bright Start college savings accounts. Chicago Daily Observer's Don Rose:

“What may possibly be a major financial blunder followed by what is clearly a cover-up…”

The facts are irrefutable.

Crain's Greg Hinz: Giannoulias switches, will release docs on Bright Start deal now:

Citing the advise of his lawyers, Mr. Giannouilas had refused to release the documents now to one of his opponents in the Feb. 2 Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, David Hoffman. Mr. Giannoulias had said he legally couldn't turn over the documents until the settlement deal with Oppenheimer closes in late March -- well after the primary election.

But the issue continued to bubble on the campaign trail, and had been referred to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan for review and, early Friday, Mr. Giannoulias announced the change.

Dueling Dem ads here. Recap of last week's debate, including this:

Hoffman took the offensive, blasting Giannoulias for making the loans to Antoin "Tony" Rezko, a convicted top Blagojevich fundraiser. Broadway Bank also gave loans to Michael Giorango, a convicted bookmaker and prostitution ring promoter. Giannoulias previously has said he should have known more about Giorango's criminal history.

Tom Roeser on Giannoulias and Hoffman. And liberal Sun Times columnist Laura Washington's surprising take on the real winner of the Dem debate.